With the NFL Draft just days away, free agency activity has slowed considerably — but veteran offensive lineman Dalton Risner may soon break that trend. Still one of the top available options on the market, Risner is reportedly nearing a deal and could sign in the near future.
The 29-year-old guard has played in 87 NFL games with 81 starts, making him a potential Day 1 starter for any team that signs him. For the second straight offseason, Risner has waited deep into the free-agent period, having signed late with the Vikings both times. Minnesota has since added Will Fries to bolster the interior line, so if Risner returns, it might be in a backup capacity. Still, the Vikings are one of three teams currently in discussions.
“Minnesota has shown interest in bringing me back, but only to an extent,” Risner said in a TikTok video. “I will be on a team soon, I could imagine.”
Risner also named the Broncos and Bengals as potential destinations. He spent his first four NFL seasons in Denver, starting at left guard. While his best season with the Broncos saw him ranked 28th among guards by Pro Football Focus, he surpassed that mark with the Vikings last season, earning a 68.1 grade — 22nd among all guards. However, Denver’s current lineup features Quinn Meinerz and Ben Powers, meaning Risner would likely serve in a reserve role if he returned.
Cincinnati, meanwhile, has undergone some changes along the offensive line. The Bengals released Alex Cappa and signed Lucas Patrick to a one-year deal, adding another veteran to compete for a starting spot. Cody Ford was also re-signed and could serve as a swing tackle or interior backup. Risner’s experience would give the Bengals another solid option to strengthen the unit.
All three teams — Minnesota, Denver, and Cincinnati — have the cap space to make a deal, ranging from $16.5 million to $23.4 million. With time ticking before the draft, a Risner signing could happen at any moment.
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